New York gets USD-18.5m grant for offshore wind research

A picture from Cathie Associates visit to the US’ first commercial offshore wind farm; Block Island.

June 18 (Renewables Now) - The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will get USD 18.5 million (EUR 15.9m) in federal funds to lead a research dedicated to offshore wind technology advancement.

NYSERDA will head the National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium, which seeks to support innovations and cost effective solutions in the offshore wind sector. The entity focuses on wind farm designs, methods for cutting siting and installation costs, and advanced technological solutions related to operations, maintenance and supply chain development.

The research and development (R&D) consortium will be backed through a public-private partnership including the offshore wind industry, utilities and research laboratories. The states of New Jersey and California are also participating and more states are expected to join, as well.

Apart from leading the consortium, NYSERDA will also make a financial contribution matching the four-year grant from the Department of Energy (DoE). Private sector support is also being engaged.

New York governor Andrew Cuomo has set a goal of achieving 2,400 MW of offshore wind by 2030. Another statewide objective is to have 50% of its power coming from renewables by the same year. To reach those goals, the state plans to issue two solicitations this and next year to secure a combined total of at least 800 MW of offshore wind power.

Veselina Petrova is one of SeeNews Renewables most experienced green energy writers. For several years she has been keeping track of game-changing events both large and small projects and across the globe.